advice from an upperclassmen you want to know!!!!

There are a lot of things PNMs should know before recruitment. Below are some of my best tips and tricks. If other actives have advice drop it below.

1) It doesn't matter if you drink the drinks. If you're thirsty then drink, if you're not then don't. Houses don't care either way, and don't let anyone tell you they do.

2) Don't pick a house because your bff/roommate is picking that house. You need to decide for yourself because this is your experience. Just because you're a legacy and feel pressured doesn't mean you need to pick that house if it doesn't feel right.

3) DO NOT BELIEVE ANYONE WHO PROMISES A BID. Individual members literally have no power to do this. Even if it's your best friend, there is still a process (it's different for each chapter) that determines if you get invited back. Anyone who says "see you tomorrow" or "see you bid day" doesn't have the authority to say that.

4) Do not tell anyone what chapters you like/dislike. Be very private about your preferences (except for people you REALLY trust, and even then be careful) because this gossip has a way of getting out to houses.

5) Don't say one negative thing during recruitment. It's raining? It's hot? You're tired? Put a smile on your face and don't complain. Everyone has gone through recruitment and knows it sucks, but you come off poorly if you complain about it. Suck it up and act like every day is amazing.

6) It could be the hardest week of your life thus far. You will get cut from houses, so just get ready. It happens to (almost) everyone, and it can hurt your feelings. With so many girls going through getting cut isn't personal, it's just a numbers game. Go back to the other chapters you got and really give them a chance. You never know what you could like.

7) Don't talk about partying or boys. Just don't do it. If you want to talk about religion you can bring it up, but most chapters don't let actives bring it up to you because they don't want you to feel uncomfortable.

8) Be yourself. If you hate football don't say you're excited for game day. If you're nervous (everyone is) you don't need to act like you have it all together. If you're not sure of your major admit it. Actives can tell when a PNM is genuine, and being real is so much better than being fake.

9) You might cry. It happens to a lot of PNMs, especially on sisterhood/pref night. If you do cry, it's totally okay. We're glad we touched you. If you don't, that's okay, too.


The moral of the story is: be you, get hype, and prep for a long week. It's so worth it at the end, and every chapter is great. Good luck!